The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

May 17, 2006

Meeting Minutes

Attendance: 39

The meeting was called to order by Michael Ptak, at 7:12 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Two guest speakers from the Naugatuck Savings and Loan addressed the group. The two gave their names as Ann and Charlene. Their bank will be replacing Bank North, presently located at the bottom of Hamilton Avenue in the Valero Station plaza. Their topic was reverse mortgages and they brought brochures, cards and notepads, as well as information on the subject of reverse mortgages. The new bank will open in late July. There will be no charge for the ATM use. Some of the points of the reverse mortgage are: that they are designed for seniors to be able to tap into their home equity, with no monthly payment until the person moves or die. The person cannot lose their home and the loan is a “ no recourse” loan, which means that the loan will not become the responsibility of the children to repay. The loan can be used for any reason. The reverse mortgage is safe because it is FHA administered, the borrower retains the home title and can never owe more than the value of the home. Owner responsibilities are to maintain the taxes and insurance on the home and to keep it in good condition. The loan is repaid after the person is out of the house for 12 consecutive months. Conditions are: provide birth certificate and SSN, be 62 or older with little or no mortgage. It can be used as an income supplement, to enrich one’s life or to pay debt.

The Treasurer’s report: Monthly expenses: $362.31, cash on hand $2,465.71, $2,422.07 and $500. for the scholarship.

Secretary’s report: A hard copy of the minutes is available for review at this evening’s meeting.

Report on the Inlands-Wetlands hearing: The committee passed the Regency Place project, but stressed that it is not a good fit for this area. It now progresses to Planning, with meeting scheduled for June 14^th. Mike stressed the importance of a large attendance at that meeting. Mike related that his employer received plans on 4 developments planned from a developer, one of which is Regency Place at 4 to 5 million dollars.

Mike also stated that he wrote to the Zoning Commission to change the zoning, but that won’t happen. The Association also submitted a complaint that the developer of the area was ordered to place 4 inches of topsoil and to plant grass on the site at least two years ago, which obviously has never been done, since the area is still being used for dirt-bikes. No response has been received to date. Mike stated that the developer was surprised by the efforts employed by the association resulting in his having to install an irrigation system, which was not his intention. Another development planned for the Purdy Road to Pearl Lake Road area was discussed; in question was whether it would proceed because special permits will be needed to install sewers. That developer has not been attending hearings.

Tag Sale: The tag sale is re-scheduled for this Saturday, having been rained-out last week. Everyone is invited to participate.

Earth Day: Ten people from the neighborhood participated and all our streets were cleaned. Thank you to the volunteers.

The Breakfast: Peoples Bank has agreed to donate $100. $852 was taken in.

Corresponding Secretary: It was suggested that there be a position of such. Volunteers are needed. That person would be responsible for welcoming new neighbors by sending letters of welcome, sending acknowledgement of illness and deaths, etc.

Flowers and Flags: Volunteers are needed for both projects, scheduled for the weekend of the Memorial Day holiday. Later volunteers will be needed to paint hydrants (in June)

June Meeting: A barbecue will be enjoyed and the yearly scholarship will be presented. Hot dogs, buns and soda will be provided. Many have volunteered to bring appetizers, sides and desserts for the barbecue.

Wendell Cross Golf Tournament: We will be donating $100 for the event.

Committee to plan events: There is a need to form a committee to work on a yearly calendar to schedule event in advance. Members will be asked to “brainstorm” about new fund raising events and bring their ideas forward, with the goal to plan events early.

Community Officer: Joe Padua reported on the continued car thefts from both locked and unlocked. There have been break-ins. There are seat-belt checks on-going. Truancy is being pursued with warnings to parents and promised $25 tickets. Joe also reports dumping on Capt. Neville Dr., which resulted in arrest.

Mike reminded attendees that there are trash collection forms here this evening.

Next meeting is scheduled for June 21^st.

The meeting was adjourned at 8PM

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio